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Grange volunteer off to the palace

A GRANGE volunteer is set for a royal appointment after she was named a ‘diamond champion’ for her community work.

Zelma Hallatt, 81, is just one of 10 people from across the North East and Cumbria who have been invited to meet the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at St James’ Palace.

Esme Eggleston, 89, from Appleby was also among those chosen.

The Diamond Champions, so called in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year, were picked by the older people's charity WRVS, recognising the contribution that people over the age of 60 make through volunteering. More than 200 people were nominated.

WVRS manager at Westmorland General Hospital Sharon Allen nominated Zelma in honour of her 43 years’ volunteering in many different capacities.

“Zelma is a vital part of what makes the United Kingdom a civilised and caring society,” she said.

“She always shows neighbourliness and friendship in times of need and always provides a helping hand; all of this costs nothing but is invaluable and timeless.”

Among her contributions, Zelma helps run a tea bar and newspaper round on the wards of Westmorland General, runs a trolley service at her local nursing home, is circuit steward for five churches and cares for a friend at all hours of the day or night.